Study Indicates Rigorous Safety Measures Needed to Reduce Mercury Exposure During Dental Amalgam Filling Removal
A new study shows that the safety thresholds for mercury exposure can be exceeded during dental procedures involving drilling on amalgam fillings if special precautions are not in place, according to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla., July 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — A new study shows that the safety thresholds for mercury exposure can be exceeded during dental procedures involving drilling on amalgam fillings if special precautions are not in place, according to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
The study further indicates that standard methods appear to be inadequate when assessing mercury exposure during drilling on dental amalgam because these methods do not account for an overlooked source: mercury vapor emitted from particles of the filling that are generated by drilling. However, the new data also emphasizes that specific safety measures can mitigate these mercury levels and provide more rigorous protection for patients and dental teams.
The study, “Mercury vapor volatilization from particulate generated from dental amalgam removal with a high-speed dental drill – a significant source of exposure,” is available in the peer-reviewed Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology.
I’ve practiced with a number of ‘holistic’ dentists who go to great measures to reduce inhaled mercury and absorbed mercury during procedures. Including a premed regime, special exhaust ventilation, special ventilator masks for operator and patient. At first I viewed it as rather ‘alarmist’ but the patients had already sought them out because of their web listed amalgam removal systems. I’m just surprised they don’t have as many concerns about the polymers and chemicals in resin based filling materials. I definitely believe in safety first, and taking precautions but can we go too far?